Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Why in News?
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is in the news because the Government of India announced on September 16, 2026, that veteran actor Anant Nag will be honoured with the country's highest cinematic recognition.
- He will receive the award at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for September 22, 2026, in Kevadia, Gujarat. This honour comes exactly one year after the actor was conferred with the Padma Bhushan.
Origin & Purpose
- Highest Cinematic Honor: It is the highest official recognition for film personalities in India, presented annually for lifetime contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
- Instituted Year: The award was established in 1969 by the Government of India.
- Name Origin: It is named after Dhundiraj Govind "Dadasaheb" Phalke (1870–1944), who is widely regarded as the "Father of Indian Cinema". He directed India's first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.
Administration & Presentation
- Organizers: The award is conferred by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals.
- Presented By: The President of India traditionally presents the award during the annual National Film Awards ceremony.
- Selection Process: The recipient is selected by a jury committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.
Award Components
- A Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion
- A cash prize of ₹10 Lakh (1 million INR)
- A certificate, a silk roll, and a ceremonial shawl
Notable Milestones & Recipients
- First Recipient: Actress Devika Rani, often called the "First Lady of Indian Cinema," received the inaugural award in 1969.
- Posthumous Recipients: Only two individuals have received it posthumously—actor Prithviraj Kapoor (1971) and actor Vinod Khanna (2017).
- Recent Winners:
- 2026 Announced: Anant Nag (Kannada & Hindi cinema)
- 2025 Recipient: Mohanlal (Malayalam cinema)
- 2024 Recipient: Mithun Chakraborty (Hindi & Bengali cinema)
